Chinese Science Fiction is a fascinating, unique genre that has many interesting authors. Those who may not have read any science fiction before may not know where to start, and those used to Western Science Fiction may be uncertain of their enjoyment of it. Read on to find out the best place to start reading Chinese Science Fiction to see if it suits you!

Magic seems to have always had a place in Chinese literature, starting with the Journey to the East filled with a colorful cast of varying degrees of power that blends into a rich mythology of ghosts and demons.

That there has been a surging Chinese science fiction scene shows the continued creativity of Chinese writers, and follows an increasing demand for these types of stories in written form and on our screens. The demand for Chinese Science Fiction is also increasingly popular in the west, so much so that the US-based online magazine Clarkesworld now publishes monthly translations of Chinese short stories in partnership with the Chinese company Storycom.

I think the best way to get involved in any new genre is to read short stories. I picked up an anthology of Chinese science fiction called “Invisible Planets”, translated by Ken Liu that shows a varied collection from the most popular science fiction authors at the moment. It can be bought on Amazon The book is a great introduction to the current science fiction scene which offers a varied selection from different authors such as Liu Cixin (刘慈欣 – Liúcíxīn), who wrote “The Three Body Problem”, which is the first novel in translation to win the Hugo Award in 2015 as well as winning many other Chinese Science Fiction awards (Nebula Award and China’s Galaxy Award). Also featured are writers like:

• Hao Jingfang (郝景芳 – Hǎojǐngfāng) who writes within a number of other genres
• Chen QiuFan (陈楸帆 – Chénqiūfān)
• Ma Boyong (马伯庸 – Mǎbóyōng),
• Tang Fei (糖匪 – Táng fěi) 
• Cheng Jingbo (程婧波 – Chéngjìngbō).

These writers are seen as the pinnacle of Chinese Science Fiction and it is worth taking the time to read their stories that cover many topics: filial piety, modern consumerism, urbanization, the surveillance state and more. To finish, the book has a collection of essays at the end such as one entitled “What Makes Chinese Science Fiction Chinese?”, that offer interesting insights on this genre, saying that it bridges a gap between the “Chinese Dream” and reality.

My favorite short story from the collection is “Tong Tong’s Summer” 童童的夏天 (Tóng tóng de xiàtiān) by Xia Jia (夏笳) which can be found in Chinese with its English translation. It explores a world where robots are brought into households to perform a carer function for the elderly and how it affects one family in particular through the eyes of a young girl: Tong Tong (童童 – Tóng tóng).

For those that don’t want to read an entire novel, short stories are the best way to sample the genre without having to dedicate as much time. Hopefully, you will be pleasantly surprised and maybe discover a favorite new author! 

Let us know about your favorite Chinese authors and novels in the comment section below.

Check out this lesson about Keigo Higashino, a Japanese author whose mystery novels have been made into movies:

If you don’t enjoy reading, you can also watch our video on strange and even stranger things:

• About
• Latest Posts

Giulia Mazzola

Giulia has been learning Chinese for 8 years since failed holiday plans took her to Shanghai instead of backpacking around Europe. She has lived in Beijing and Taipei throughout her studies where she explored the cafe culture and street food scene. Now she lives in London. Having worked in Finance for four years Giulia is now travelling the world but still keeping up her Chinese lessons as she goes!

Favourite ChinesePod lesson: "The frog prince in the well".

Latest posts by Giulia Mazzola (see all)

• Where to start reading Chinese Science Fiction - October 20, 2017
• Going Organic: Find the safest food in China - August 30, 2017
• 3 Ways to incorporate Chinese Medicine ideas into your life - July 18, 2017